Christena Dykstra of Pictou Landing was a 2018 ATCO Indigenous Education Award recipient. Christena took the time to answer some questions about herself and the Scholarship.

What school are you currently attending?

University of New Brunswick – Fredericton Campus

What grade or post-secondary year are you in?

I am currently in my second year of my Master’s of Art – Sport and Recreation Studies program

What/who encouraged you to apply for the ATCO scholarship?

I had seen the ATCO scholarship opportunity shared on Facebook by several community members.

How did your scholarship help with the costs of going to school?

The scholarship helped to assist with travel costs associated with conducting research and attending classes/presentations out of province.

What are your future plans? What do you want to do once you complete school?

I am still trying to figure that out. I really enjoy the research aspect of things, so I am strongly considering a PhD in either social policy or interdisciplinary studies with a focus on sport. If I went that route, I would pursue a career as a professor. Outside of that, pursuing a career in policy development and working within marginalized populations are where my passions lie and I think working as a consultant would be a good way to have the best of everything.

Why did you choose that?

For both professor and consultant career paths, I really like the idea of educating and learning new things. I also enjoy the problem solving aspect or goals/objectives and both career paths require strategy, creative solutions, implementation and progression. I think either career would be a good fit, and who knows, maybe I’ll do both.

Who do you admire and look up to within your community or the NS Mi’kmaw community?

My family has been my inspiration for many aspects of my life from pursuing certain career paths, sporting opportunities or educational goals. I am very fortunate that I have a solid foundation of support and positive role models in my parents and my siblings. Being the youngest of four children, I got to see my siblings interact at various ages and milestones throughout life from provincial sporting teams, driver licenses, graduations and new careers. My siblings have always been my role models but above everyone, it’s my parents who I admire most. Don’t get me wrong, I am a bit biased, but for those who know my parents, would agree that they are the most hard working, community minded individuals whose persistence and resilience has shaped who they are. I am forever grateful that their parents have instilled the values of family, honour, respect and integrity and they have since passed these on to my siblings and I.

Who/what motivates you to reach higher for your education?

There are so many people. I see it in the athletes I coach, who despite their hardships show up to practice and work toward their goals. I see it in the marginalized communities I work with and the stories they share with me. I see it in the lack of representation in policy makers, department heads and research teams. These people motivate me to want more of my education so that I, as an Indigenous woman can effect change and have a positive impact for the next generation of athletes, communities, research fields and governments.

Any other comments?

Thank you for the opportunity to connect with you and for providing the opportunity for Indigenous students to continue to pursue their education. Wela’lin.